ALEPH – COVENANT REVELATION – Psalm 119:1-8

Psalm 119 joins 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, and 145 as the 6th acrostic psalm in the Psalter. The acrostic psalms represent a unique literary form where a series of stanzas usually begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and continues each stanza following the last introduced with the next letter in alphabetical order. The purposes of this device are likely manifold. As we have noted, the form communicates order, design, purpose, symmetry, and beauty even as it would enhance memorization, communication of its contents. This literary structure portrays the comprehensive authority of God and the sufficiency of His word. He is Lord from “A” to “Z” , He is the Alpha and the Omega, in Hebrew; He is the “Aleph and the “Taw”. As an acrostic, Ps 119 is especially elaborate. Each stanza is divided into 8 verses. In each stanza, all 8 verses begin with the letter introducing that section. Additionally, there are 8 synonyms for covenant revelation employed repeatedly by the author. While each of these may be used interchangeably, they all enhance the understanding of God's revealed truth. In is kindness and authority God has declare to His people His: Law, Testimonies, Ways, Precepts, Statutes, Commandments, Rules, and His Word. These terms reinforce the central theme of the song and are joined along the way with more references that accompany the proclamations of Yahweh. While our modern cultural experience provides us little help in appreciating the Bible's longest chapter and song, considered in the context of the giving of the law recorded in Deut. Chaps 4 and 5, Psalm 119 comes alive. I submit that this song stands forever as a fitting response to the Words of Yahweh Himself in Deut 5:29...a Spirit inspired response to this cry from the Lord...